BD Wong (PACIFC OVERTURES, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN) and composer Adam Gwon (ORDINARY DAYS) will headline "FAMILY CIRCLE: A CELEBRATION OF ASIAN AMERICAN THEATRE ARTISTS TO BENEFIT THE COALITON FOR ASIAN AMERICAN CHILDREN AND FAMILIES(CACF)" at the Daryl Roth Theatre's D-Lounge Cabaret, Monday, October 4th at 8pm. Timothy Huang produces.

The evening's proceeds will support CACF, the nation's only pan-Asian children's advocacy organization which strives to improve the health and well-being of Asian Pacific American children and families in New York City. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and can be purchased at http://cacf.org.

While some of you may know about this case, some of you probably don't - but if you care about how law enforcement looks at members of the API community - I'll just ask that you listen, and that if you can, help spread the word about the case as well as the upcoming press conference and rally being held this Saturday, October 2nd at 2:00 PM.

Background Information (From The Press Release)

On July 22, 2006, Hmong teenager Fong Lee was with a group of friends riding bikes near the North Minneapolis Cityview Elementary School when Minneapolis police officers chased them across the playground. Officer Jason Andersen shot Fong Lee eight times, in the back, side, and then five more shots into Lee’s chest as he lay on the ground. Andersen stated he was justified in the killing, claiming that Lee pointed a gun at him. He was cleared by the MPD’s internal investigation even though neighborhood eyewitnesses were not interviewed, many of whom contradicted the police officers' version of events in community press reports.

In 2009 the family of Fong Lee brought a wrongful death lawsuit again the City of Minneapolis and Jason Andersen, citing surveillance cameras that showed Fong Lee did not have a gun and evidence that demonstrated that the gun found at the scene had been in police custody, suggesting that the gun had been planted.

When an all-white jury found that Andersen had not used “excessive force” in killing 19-year old Fong Lee, community members held numerous rallies to continue to demand justice in what they saw as a police cover-up. The family has since appealed to the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for a new trial, which has been denied. Now, under the representation of Hilliard, Muñoz, and Gonzales, the family of Fong Lee is taking their case to the Supreme Court, in hopes that national attention will result in a new trial of this egregious police action.

Jason Andersen was first in the media’s eye with his shooting death of Fong Lee but he has remained a contentious member of the Minneapolis police force. In September 2009 Police Chief Tim Dolan fired Andersen for violating the department’s ethics policy because of a dropped domestic assault charge. A state arbitrator returned Andersen to the force after the police union grieved the firing. Andersen is currently being indicted on federal charges for allegedly abusing a black teenager while part of the notorious and now-defunct Metro Gang Strike Force. On September 22, 2010 he was fired for a second time for violating the department’s code on “truthfulness” about this incident in which he allegedly kicked the teen in the head.

So Let's Recap

Asian American youth shot eight times, five times after he was already on the ground.

WHAT: Press Conference and Rally to announce the Lee family’s decision to appeal their wrongful death suit against Jason Andersen and the Minneapolis Police Department to the Supreme Court. The Lee family has retained the law firm Hilliard, Muñoz, Gonzales (http://hmglawfirm.com/) in the shooting death of their teenage son Fong Lee by Minneapolis police officer Jason Andersen, who was recently fired because of a federal indictment in another brutality charge.

WHO: This press conference is being organized by the Justice for Fong Lee Committee and the family of Fong Lee. Family members and Janelle Yang, the legal contact for the family, will be making statements about the appeal. Community organizations and leaders will also be making statements of support.

WHY: The family and community were shocked and angered by the 2009 verdict in their wrongful death suit as well as the district court’s recent denial for an appeal. They view these decisions as part of a growing pattern of police misconduct and lack of accountability in the Twin Cities. Under new representation from the firm Hilliard, Muñoz, Gonzales, the Lee family is appealing their wrongful death suit to the Supreme Court.

Statement from the attorney:

“Amidst the recent news of Minneapolis Police Officer Jason Andersen being fired for the second time in his career for lying about events when he was accused of kicking a teenager in the head while a member of the Gang Strike Force, the family of another of Andersen's nineteenyear-old victims, Fong Lee, is petitioning for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn the Eighth Circuit Court's recent decision refusing to award Fong Lee's family damages after he was shot 8 times by the officer. There are a number of issues in the casethat warrant Supreme Court review and perhaps we can bring a rogue officer to justice.”

Final Word

While the facts of cases can always be disputed, you have to ask the question of how much did race play a part in the shooting and killing of Fong Lee. You have to ask the question of what really is the history of the gun and why there was no blood, fingerprints, or anything else connecting it to him. You have to ask the question of how fair was it in a case which has so many inconsistencies that it wasn't a more diverse jury that came down with the verdict.

And at this point, at this juncture, you have to ask yourself the question of if it deserves to be looked at again -- and at least for me - I have to say yes.

Please feel free to copy this post in full and cross post, or pass on the link to friends.

Okay - so maybe it doesn't have everything you want - and the White Guy gets the girl (because he's got a bigger gun) and the Asian dude never kisses the girl - but - it does have some kick ass fight scenes in it?

I got word sent out about the 4th Annual Celebration of Activism Through the Arts Featuring works in progress by the Asian Women Giving Circle’s 2009 and 2010 grantees and wanted to make sure and post up on it not only because it's important - but because it just sounds like it should be a really cool event.

The Main Event

The Asian Women Giving Circle and MOCA present the 4th Annual Celebration of Activism Through the Arts Featuring works in progress by the Asian Women Giving Circle’s 2009 and 2010 grantees

Elaine Kim, writer and producer of Slaying the Dragon: Reloaded (AWGC 2010 Grantee)Jeannie Park, former Executive Editor of People magazine

In its fifth year of raising resources and philanthropists, the AWGC has raised and distributed over $350,000 for thirty-nine projects of individual artists and community-based organizations. These projects focus on social activism using the arts. Every donor helps to decide which projects get funded.

Come see some of the works in progress such as a film that examines stereotypes of Asian American women in the media, a music video that raises awareness about sex-trafficking, a documentary about mental illness and suicide in the Asian American community, a multi-media summer workshop for low-income immigrant girls who live with the legacy of war and a multi-media art project that features interviews with laundromat customers to show the shifting demographics in NYC neighborhoods and more.

The Asian Women Giving Circle is a group of Asian American women pooling their money to fund other Asian women in NYC who use the tools of art to further a social equity goal. We work together to raise resources to support Asian American serving, Asian American women-led social change organizations in New York City’s under-served communities. We raise resources and philanthropists. AWGC is a donor-advised fund of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. Every donor helps decide which projects are funded.

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), founded in 1980, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. The greatly expanded MOCA at 215 Centre Street is a national home for the precious narratives of diverse Chinese American communities, and strives to be a model among interactive museums.

The 2010 AWGC grant recipients, each of whom will receive awards of $8,000 to $10,000, are:

Asian American Writers’ Workshop – Double Exposure: War Narratives at Home

The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is the largest non-profit devoted to creating, publishing, developing and disseminating creative writing by Asian Americans. Double Exposure: War Narratives at Home is a multi-media, Pan-Asian arts workshop that will focus on the experiences of Asian American girls ages 14-18 displaced by war. This nine-week, intensive summer workshop led by women artists will bring together low-income, underrepresented girls who are primary and secondary witnesses to war (from the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Burma, Iran, etc.) to share the stories of their lives through photography and writing, encouraging bonds across nationalities and generations.

Paglalakbay is a multi-arts project that partners domestic workers with young Filipino cultural workers (photographers, visual artists, performance artists, poets and musicians) to document their working conditions, life, resilience and resistance. Through arts skills training workshops, Filipino women workers will produce cultural works to be used for a public showcase, campaign materials for DAMAYAN, and as a source for generating income. Two key cultural art products from this project are the Paglalakbay Memory Cookbook, which will include recipes from various regions of the Philippines that have been adapted to the US by the women workers and a month-long public installation of art works created over the course of the project. DAMAYAN Migrant Workers Association is a grassroots organization based in New York and New Jersey that promotes the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

Founded in 2000, Desipina Productions is a Brooklyn-based South Asian and Asian American theater and film arts company. Its mission is to combat stereotypes in pop culture and mainstream culture by providing points of views rarely seen. The project is a three-month series of events by women including a tour of “Hiding Divya,” a film about mental illness among three generations of women in a South Asian family produced and directed by Desipina’s founders, play readings, and a panel on APA women in the arts. The tour will include colleges and community centers in New York and across the country. The purpose of the series is to start a dialogue about mental illness within the South Asian community and to counter stereotypes of Asian women in the broader society.

“Cycles” is a multi-ethnic, multi-media art project that includes a documentary featuring short interviews with more than150 customers at two laundromats in Woodside, Queens and Jersey City, NJ, most of whom are women who reflect the dynamic and evolving demographic changes in their communities. Raw highlights of interviews will be posted to a web site and on YouTube and shown at Asian American film festivals, community centers and college campuses. In addition, installations will be placed in both laundromats to display photographs and stories of interviewees. The project will highlight the oral histories of Asian women within their immigrant communities, empowering women to become advocates for the community issues affecting them.

May Ling Lai is an Asian American woman singer, songwriter, and producer. Building on the success of a music video and public service announcement (PSA) she produced about domestic violence entitled “Someday.” May Ling will create a music video and public education campaign to raise awareness about the problem of child trafficking, globally and here in New York City. In addition to the music video, footage will be used to create a public service announcement. Online discussions, forums, blogs, and other internet media will be used to create awareness on this issue and inspire activism.

“Can,” a documentary film produced by Asian American director Pearl J. Park, is a realistic, balanced and in-depth film portrayal of the mental illness and suicide within the Asian American community. It will be used to educate mental health providers who have little to no cross-cultural training and may be unfamiliar with traditional Asian practices and beliefs. In addition, the documentary will be shared with key Asian American opinion leaders to help create a social dialogue about this serious health issue and break the taboo power of mental illness within Asian American communities.

“Secret Survivors” is a theatrical multimedia production featuring survivors of child sexual abuse sharing their stories through dramatic narrative. The piece, which draws upon Ping Chong & Company “Undesirable Elements” model (an interview-based theater project exploring social justice issues through the lens of culture and identity), will act as a vehicle to break taboos, improve community and policy responses, and generate healing through storytelling. Secret Survivors will be led by Amita Swadhin, a queer South Asian educator, anti-violence activist, and incest survivor. By creating a performance that showcases the story of a South Asian American survivor, the production will provide tools that can raise the issue of child sexual abuse in Asian American communities and help service providers better understand how this abuse plays out in Asian American communities.

A new project developed by Ruby Veridiano, an Asian American writer, speaker/arts educator, and media personality, Glamourbaby Diaries is an empowerment program for young women, ages 14 to 21, using writing and incorporating media, fashion, and women’s history. The goal of this program is to create an inspiring and provocative space for young women to explore their identity and assert their voices in the public sphere. The program will focus on the leadership and personal development of female leaders, thinkers, and writers, providing participants with tools to strengthen the expression of their opinions and ideas, thus creating opportunities to better represent themselves in their families, schools, and communities.

“Slaying the Dragon: Reloaded” is a 30-minute sequel to the 1986 award-winning film, “Slaying the Dragon: Asian Women in U.S. Television and Film”, a comprehensive look at media stereotypes of Asian and Asian American women since the silent era of film. The film addresses how Hollywood’s visual representations of Asian women have changed with globalization and the transformation of America's population over the past two decades. By challenging viewers to question the pop culture images they see and by offering alternative voices, Women Make Movies aims to help create real change in the way that Asians are seen.

I just don't know what to think of NBC's "Outsourced" yet. I can't quite decide if it's got possible potential, or just needs to be cancelled (or maybe never should have been made in the first place).

And I ask myself the question of if I would be having this conversation with myself if the character Todd (Ben Rappaport) wasn't White or if one of the un-attainable love interests in a position of power (Pippa Black) wasn't a White Women (even if she is from Australia).

What if Todd was South Asian? How much of a difference would it make to the storyline and a joke like the one about Manmeet's name (because don't even front like you've never made a double entendre with someone who had the last name Ho when they stole your SO away from you)

Is it fair of me to ask, or should I even be asking myself the question because at the end of the day Todd is White and I highly doubt they'll be replacing him anytime soon.

See - I actually like some of the characters - they are quirky. There is something fun to watch about a group of people who aren't the "A" team trying to simply make it and in some ways there's nothing more American than a story about the "B" team trying to be the best (because we all love a rags to riches story).

So does it deserve some time to be as irreverent as it should be (because that's the only way it can succeed)? Or does the fact that it's already offensive to people put it in the category of "Must Be Cancelled TV"?

And how much does it matter that even though it's the largest Asian cast on TV right now - the main backdrop for the the cast is basically stereotypical (like a whole show about Chinese Americans doing Chinese takeout)?

In the end I think it could have had potential.

It might have had potential....

But the more that I think about it - could have and might have just doesn't quite cut it.

The Sikh Coalition is pleased to announce that Amardeep Singh, the Sikh Coalition’s co-founder and Director of Programs, was appointed by President Barack Obama to his Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) last week. The Sikh Coalition believes this is the first appointment of a Sikh American to such a post.

“Our nation will be well-served by the skill and dedication these men and women bring to their new roles. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead,” President Obama said last week in a news release issued by the White House.

While I can't pretend to know anything about a race I'm not really following, reading an article down at the Washington Examiner I do know that apparently Carly Fiorina is hoping the Asian American community can help swing things in her direction:

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina made an appeal Sunday to Asian-American voters by emphasizing her desire to help owners of small businesses, a commitment that was questioned by her opponent's campaign.

Fiorina and Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer are in a close contest less than six weeks before Election Day and are trying to position themselves as the one best suited to help turn around the nation's struggling economy.

Fiorina addressed a crowd of about 400 during a voter-education forum hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association at California State University, Sacramento. She noted California is home to more Asian-American-owned small businesses than any other state.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with giving some shit to your freshman class - that's just a part of the food chain that's known as High School - but something's seriously going wrong in the Philadelphia schools these days because kicking the shit out of Asian American students is starting to seem like a pattern.

About 10 bullies kicked and punched two Asian-American students in between classes Friday morning at Edward W. Bok Technical High School, authorities said.

The attack, which left the immigrant students, ages 14 and 15, with cuts and bruises on their faces, was apparently part of a preplanned freshmen hazing ritual, said Fernando Gallard, spokesman for the school district.

I'm curious to know what other students got the beat-down (and by 10 other people).

Continuing the trend of putting on a great conference (from what I hear), if you have the time definitely check out the ASPIRE 2010 leadership conference down at Boston University.

The 2010 AAWIL Conference aims to encourage attendees to explore, learn, and flourish. This conference will challenge and support Asian American women to take a leap. Speakers will share their experiences on how they were able to discover themselves through new inspirations and experiences which allowed for change in their lives.

The Conference will:

Build upon last year's theme of "Fearless Leadership: Taking Charge with Confidence"

Gather cross-generational Asian American women from across the continental US with diverse personal and professional backgrounds to share their experiences of how exploring and learning allowed them to flourish

Discuss the various aspects of continuous leadership development to make lasting, positive changes in our communities

Augsburg College, a private liberal arts institution in the heart of the twin cities is hosting the Midwest Asian American Student Union 2010 Leadership Retreat on October 29th & 30th, 2010.

This regional traveling event was established to empower API Midwest students to learn and enhance leadership skills. This year’s theme, “Our Stories. One Voice: Listen today. Speak for tomorrow.” acknowledges the diaspora within our API community while recognizes the need for solidarity. It calls to our young leaders to learn our histories so that they can take action and become voices for our communities.

This leadership retreat is a must attend for all API students and young professionals. The event features educational & skill building workshops, an interactive leadership course and formal banquet with keynote address by Senator Mee Moua and entertainment by Bao Phi, local artist & activist, Motion Crew and Theater Mu.

For more information or to register please call 612-330-1530 or visit our website: www.maasulr2010.com.

Caught a good article with veteran actor B.D. Wong talking about race and Hollywood:

The actor said he began to accept his identity around the time he landed a lead role in the Broadway production of “M. Butterfly,” which brought him the 1988 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play. Wong, who has appeared in several movies and TV shows, has been a staple on “Law and Order” since 2001.

Despite progress, Wong said, an “undercurrent” of stereotyping and prejudice remains in entertainment, where the “subliminal message” is still found that white is superior.

Just in case you missed it, I wanted to make sure and post up that if you ever get a chance to see Christy NaMee Eriksen in person - definitely don't miss the chance to see her - because she killed it tonight - and this is coming from a person who's not a part of the die hard spoken word audience.

Honestly - I don't know a ton about this bill, but at least wanted to post up a little from the democrats.org blog talking the benefits of the bill for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities:

As of this week, sixteen million AAPIs can expect to benefit from the reduction of preventable diseases and conditions through the Patients’ Bill of Rights. When congressional Democrats and President Barack Obama enacted the Affordable Care Act six months ago, the new law included a “Patients’ Bill of Rights” to protect consumers and patients from some of the insurance industry’s most abusive practices. This series of provisions prioritizes preventive care and recourse for patients that have been unfairly denied claims.

AAPI communities are needlessly left vulnerable to treatable diseases and avoidable conditions because of theprohibitive cost of preventive care or because their insurance plans just won’t cover regular screenings. The Patients’ Bill of Rights will help to eliminate disparities that exist among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by requiring providers to provide cancer screenings and preventive care without copayments or deductibles. As of this week, when individuals and families enroll in a new health plan, that plan will be required to cover certain recommended services without copayments or deductibles.

I was actually thinking about moving out to the 4G with Sprint when my next contract is up simply because I wanted the speed - but apparently I might have to re-think my next data plan and purchase because CEO Dan Hesse is telling it like it could be:

In speaking at the Emerging Technologies Conference at MIT today, Hesse mentioned that his company "can offer unlimited as long as the usage is reasonable," suggesting that a glut of extremely heavy users (you probably know who you are) could ultimately mean he "can't afford to do that anymore."

Especially if they're in another language, because as much as I love watching film from another country sometimes a re-telling is in order.

And a new spin isn't always a bad thing.

Like The Departed. The original it was based off of - Infernal Affairs - that movie just stands by itself - but the Scorsese remake you gotta love that too (and who wasn't glad that he finally got his Oscar?)

It was just done right.

I'm not saying I get people who'll never watch anything in another language and who avoid them altogether - because by seeing the world from different perspectives you get to know it in a way you may never have really understood - those stories that are innate to all of us no matter where we rest our heads.

I guess I'm just crossing my finger that when October rolls around I hope I'll be saying the same thing about Let Me In just like The Departed and not how much I wish they wouldn't have made the remake.

This guy's a dick. There's no real way around this and honestly - what other word would you use to describe him? Exactly. It's just apropos (and if you don't believe me just take another gander at that 'stache).

A 30 day suspension with "racial sensitivity" training just won't cut it.

I should probably qualify however that it was from one of the major local radio stations here in the Twin Cities where people call and txt for their favorite song - but if people want to consistently say that the real litmus test is gaining recognition in Mid-America (because we're the ones that really count and will bail you out when your metros fall into the ocean) - well - I guess they should be #1 on Billboard.

Far East Movement's song "Like a G6" (featuring Dev and The Cataracs) has been tearing up the music billboards lately. It's receiving major play on pop radio stations everywhere. It currently sits at #16 on the billboard top 100, which is easily the highest ever for an Asian American musical group. This is unprecedented territory, and encouraging news for other talented musical groups like Legaci that faced early barriers but see recent traction.

I'm just going to go out on limb here (not really) and say that they're going to sell a lot of albums in their first week when Free Wired comes out on October 12th.

Ward is one of 16 people to be appointed to President Barack Obama's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. He will be sworn in at a ceremony tonight at the U.S. Capitol. The commission works to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by providing advice to the president, as well as to education secretary Arne Duncan and commerce secretary Gary Locke.

"Imagine the president picking me to be a face of Asian Americans all over the world. Me? Me?" Ward said, grinning the grin that you see every time the Steelers play. "I thought it was a huge honor when they told me I was going to be one of the candidates. But I never thought I'd actually be picked."

Ward is a future Hall of Famer. He owns virtually every Steelers pass receiving record and, in his 13th NFL season, still is going strong. He has been a part of two Super Bowl-winning teams and was MVP of Super Bowl XL [...]

But the best thing about Ward is how he's using his celebrity as a professional athlete to help Asian Americans, here and in his native Korea. What good is fame and fortune if you can't use it to benefit others? After Super Bowl XL, Ward started the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation, which assists mixed-race children who face discrimination. He's making sure that a problem many want to keep quiet gets plenty of attention.

This is why I don't like reading Angry Asian Man at times because I learn things that I didn't always want to know, and last week, in the set of über guest posts that are going down while he's away on vacation I learned the most horrific of events.

Lynn Chen was married...?

Sure, you can say I should have already known that, but I'll just say like I always do - that I live under a MF rock.

But maybe...

Well....maybe I did after all.

Maybe I just didn't want to believe it.

Maybe I thought it was hearsay.

Maybe I just pushed it out of my mind so I could indulge in the fantasies that are Lynn Chen (and just in case you were wondering they really consist of her just not telling me how ugly I am as she winks at me in slow motion).

But now?

Now that it's truly set in stone?

My heart somehow feels deprived of the love I never really knew and yeah, you can say that I can still have my fantasies, but when all is said and done, those fantasies need to be rooted in some sort of reality -- because that's what keeps a fantasy alive - that it could actually happen.

And yes (you naysayers) - it could have happened.

Sure, maybe in some parallel universe where I also ride a kick ass pony to work (because who doesn't like a kick ass pony) but now it never will.

Since I just caught this, I'm not really quite sure what to think - should he be higher or *gasp* lower? I think I'll have to sleep on this one.

You don’t understand Yao Ming. Admit it. You don’t understand where he came from as a rookie from Shanghai. You don’t get hard he has worked to transcend cultures and basketball philosophies, and you certainly can’t begin to grasp the pain he has endured to recover from foot surgery. All you need to understand is this. Yao MinYao Mingg, when healthy, is the best center in the NBA and the Houston Rockets’ title hopes rest on the success or failure of his return.

Critics of Yao Ming say that he is a finesse player, lacking the killer instinct it takes to carry a team to a deep playoff run. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In Game 1 of the 2009 playoff battle against the Los Angeles Lakers, Yao came back from an injury to score 8 points in the final minutes of the game on way to a 100-92 win in L.A. The career-threatening injury Yao is recovering from? He got that by playing through pain in Game 3 of that playoff series. Don’t get it twisted. Just because Yao doesn’t mug for the camera every time he dunks doesn’t mean he isn’t hungry.

Catch the latest installment of the nation's longest running serial theatre show from our good friends at SIS Production! Featuring some of your favorite Pork Filled Players! And at a very special price for PFP fans!

Sex in Seattle 18: An Everyday Kind of Love is at Seattle's Richard Hugo House (1134 11th Ave) this Friday, September 24 at 8 pm. Normally, tickets are $15 General, $12 Student/Seniors, but as a special gift to Pork Filled Phans, three of you can see the show for $15 (or $12, if you're all students or all seniors).

Simply email tickets@sis-productions.org and mention the 3 for 1 Offer and you can get in to see the show at the special discount! Fri, September 24 at 8pm: 3 for 1 special (only $5 each for 3 people) And okay, if you only have 2 people, we'll give you 2 for 1.

Sexy, sassy and laugh-out loud, Sex in Seattle is also new viewer friendly! You can dive right in and enjoy the snappy, high energy hijinks of four Asian American women trying to find true love in modern Seattle! And it's the 10th Anniversary production for SIS Productions!

BUT

• This offer is good only for the 8 pm show this Friday• You MUST mention the 3 for 1 offer, and• You MUST mention you're a Pork Filled Phan (otherwise our feelings would be very, very hurt).

Romance is great, but is true love the grand sweeping gestures of passion we fantasize about? Or is it those everyday moments that bring people closer together over time? Join Tess, Jenna, Elizabeth and Chloe as they discover their own answers in the nation's longest-running quirky romantic comedy about contemporary Asian American women, their lives and their loves.

Call (206) 323-9443 or email tickets@sis-productions.org for reservations at this price (remember, good for JUST the 8 pm show this Friday); for more information see the SIS website at www.sexinseattle.org.

Audiences over the past 17 episodes have shared the following accolades: "Funny as hell!" * "Wow ~ very funny & different!" * "LOVED IT!!!" * "I was totally blown away. It was certainly the best show I've seen all year." * "Thanks for making my visit to Seattle worth every cent" (Denver resident) * "This episode showed great depth, yet was even funnier than ever!" * "The script was so original, funny, and creative - our stomachs started hurting because we were laughing so hard." * "This is the best thing I've seen in Seattle!" * "We just love SIS and every one seems to get better and better!" * "They are so addicting!" * "cute and clever" * "We really liked the use of video…they were awesome!"

Rated "PG-13" for sexual innuendo and saucy situations.

Sex in Seattle 18: An Everyday Kind Of Love is written by Kathy Hsieh, directed by ShawnJ Westand produced by Lorna Chin, Kathy Hsieh, Miko Premo & Roger Tang with support from Elizabeth Daruthayan & Lisa Marie Nakamura.

SIS Productions is a production company that strives to create, develop and produce quality works that involve Asian American women, their themes, and Asian American issues. SIS Productions encourages opportunities and support for Asian American women to be involved in all aspects of the production of artistic endeavors.

Sex in Seattle is a dynamic, groundbreaking episodic theatre show that aims to:* Portray contemporary Asian Americans in a truer light, reflecting our diversity and uniqueness of being both Asians and Americans.* Believably address and explore the issues of womanhood ~ sexuality, struggles, identity, relationships, perceptions, and more, using humor and drama.

Yeah - it's a long shot - but after berating the show last year (only when it was deemed necessary of course) and then tuning in for the premiere tonight - I just have to wonder if someone out there in FOX TV Land has actually been listening to me (and yes, we all know the truth, but at least let me have something on a day where people are using the word filibuster much to my chagrin).

I mean a romance between Tina and Mike (who actually kiss each other in that teen angsty Asian camp sort of way)?

CBS' remake of "Hawaii Five-0" dominated in the 10 p.m. hour, with the night's second biggest audience at 13.8 million people. ABC's "Castle" at that hour had a strong showing with 11.2 million people, Nielsen said.

I didn't get to catch it last night (I know, I suck) so I'll have to watch it later, but definitely not a bad start.

Roy Chan didn't know much about his grandfather until a trip about five years ago to the family's ancestral village in China. There, to his surprise, he found the man's name -- Ong Yet Nam -- on the facade of a community center. The discovery led him on a journey into his family's past. What he learned changed his life and prompted him to organize a family history conference Oct. 10 in Chinatown [...]

Today, online tools make the search easier. But for Chinese Americans, tracing one of the most far-flung diasporas in modern history can still be tricky. Documentation is scarce; the 1906 earthquake destroyed many records and surnames might have been switched in records or falsified, as in the case of "paper sons." Historians estimate about 150,000 Chinese who came to the United States between 1910 and 1940 were "paper sons," men who claimed to be sons of U.S. citizens to evade restrictions meant to keep Chinese from entering the country.

Event Information

Sunday, October 10, 20108:30am registration; 9am – 5pm conference

Oakland Asian Cultural Center: 388 - 9th Street, Oakland Chinatown

Registration (online/ mail) is only $25 online or by mail (includes a box lunch!) and $15 for students with current ID. Online Registration ends on October 7. Registration on the day of the conference will be accepted based on availability and does not include box lunch.

Maybe. But I'm still not traveling there right now as I think there should be a moratorium after you try and enact crazy laws which basically allow you to beat me to a pulp all in the name of border control.

Asian-Americans in Arizona have traditionally kept a low profile in public service.

But this year, at least four Asian-American candidates ran in the primaries, and three are moving on to the general election. The four candidates said this small number is notable because it indicates growing interest in political involvement among Arizona's Asian-Americans. They have been involved in Arizona politics in "spurts and stops," said Barry Wong, who ran but lost in the primary for Corporation Commission. Wong, who served in the Legislature in the 1990s, said four Asian-American candidates running on both local and state levels was the most he has seen participate in an election [...]

"Over the years, as an Asian-American runs for office, it really raises the visibility, not only to the broader community but also to Asian-Americans to say that it's doable. You can run," Wong said.

Up-and-coming Asian American dance, music and comedy stars join forces with Rutgers students for B HERE, a national campaign to raise awareness of hepatitis B. The B HERE campaign features two campus events:

- Live performances from comedian Paul "PK" Kim of Kollaboration, singer/songwriters Clara C., Joseph Vincent, Jennifer Chung and Paul Dateh, and dance groups Quest Crew and Kaba Modern, who have been featured on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew

Both events are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – but you must attend the art exhibit to obtain a ticket to the live performances.

Art Exhibit – Monday, September 27

Open from 10 AM – 5 PMRutgers Student Center, Multipurpose Room126 College Avenue (at Morrell Street)Located on the Rutgers University College Avenue CampusStreet parking is available on College Avenue,Morrell Street and Senior Street

Live Performances – Tuesday, September 28

Doors open at 6 PM; Performance from 7 – 9 PMMason Gross Performing Arts Center,Nicholas Music Center Concert Hall85 George Street located on theRutgers University Douglass College CampusParking is available in Lot 74A onGeorge Street across from the Center

From the White House Media Affairs Office to my inbox and now on to you.

WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS TO SWEAR IN PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COMMISSION MEMBERS TUESDAY

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Rep. Honda to Join Community Leaders to Honor the Commissioners on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON – More than a dozen new members of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will be sworn in at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.

The Commission will work to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through increased access to, and participation in, Federal programs in which they may be underserved, by providing advice to President Obama and the co-chairs of the White House Initiative, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

I just thought I'd post this film up from the Interpretations contest (and don't blink or you might miss a blogger you may know) in lieu of post (coming soon I think) with a list of my favorite entries.

Just in case the embed takes a bit to load you can see it down here on the Interpretations' site.

I was just lamenting to someone that before - like not that long ago - there didn't seem to be that many people who were submitting their films to the INTERPRETATIONS contest and I had to ask myself what people needed to do to inspire filmmakers from the API community.

While even though I'm lazy as all hell, occasionally I do read comments and if they happen to have a link attached, I will actually follow them.

This time I happened to stumble on the blog A Marginally Insane World by Jenny Rain via her Twitter account @nomargins, and all I have to say is that if you can blog and on top of it get on out and take kick ass photos of yourself like the above - well - that's pretty damn cool.

Technically these aren't really stickers per se, but it's the best I could come up with (although you really could print them out on sticker paper if you were more ambitious than I was).

And no. I'm not abmitious enough to do anything like that - these and the text below come courtesy of the NAPABA and AAJC.

Enjoy.

WASHINGTON - Yesterday, President Obama re-nominated Judge Edward M. Chen and Professor Goodwin H. Liu to the federal bench and leaders from the Asian Pacific American community called for their swift confirmation.The nominees' names were returned to President Obama last month, per Senate rules. Both are expected to be voted out of the Judiciary Committee by the end of the month. Both nominees received the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association.

"Professor Liu and Judge Chen are both eminently qualified to serve on the federal judiciary and should be voted on as quickly as possible," said Joseph J. Centeno, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). "Our courts are overburdened and they need qualified jurists to fill seats that have been vacant for years in some cases."

Both nominees have experienced needless delays in the confirmation process. Originally nominated to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on Aug. 6, 2009, Judge Chen has waited longer than any other judicial nominee for a confirmation vote. Professor Liu was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Feb. 24.

"Judge Chen and Professor Liu would both fill seats that are considered 'judicial emergencies,'" said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC). "There are tangible negative effects on our courts when nominees face needless delays in the confirmation process."

Of 875 federal judgeships, 104 are vacant and 49 are considered "judicial emergencies." The seat Judge Chen awaits confirmation for has been vacant for more than 890 days. Moreover, each judge in the Northern District of California handles more than 600 cases per year-more than 1.5 times the national average. In the 9th Circuit, where Professor Liu has been nominated, parties wait longer than any other circuit court for a final ruling, in part because the court is understaffed. The vacancies that Judge Chen and Professor Liu are seeking to fill are both "judicial emergencies."

"The Senate should vote on the nominations of Judge Chen and Professor Liu as soon as the Senate Judiciary Committee acts," Narasaki said. "Now is the time to act before the Senate breaks for the midterm elections and momentum is lost." NAPABA and AAJC urge the Asian Pacific American community to tell Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to hold votes on these nominees before the Senate adjourns Oct. 8.

In conjunction with these extremely important nominations, NAPABA and AAJC have launched a Goodwin Liu public education initiative and web site to engage and educate the Asian Pacific American community on diversity in the judicial system. The initiative will distribute stickers (below) promoting Liu's confirmation and educational materials nationally in an effort to harness the energy of the Asian Pacific American community and its enthusiasm for these extremely well-qualified, diverse nominees.

Meet and interact with Kearny Street Workshop artists-in-residence at the de Young: Ala Ebtekar, Julie Chang, Pireeni Sundaralingam, and Erika Chong Shuch. The TRANSFORMING FICTIONS reception will be held during Friday Nights at the de Young. Featuring light refreshments while they last and a performance by resident artist Pireeni Sundaralingam with Colm O' Riain.

About TRANSFORMING FICTIONS:

Four interdisciplinary artists working with Kearny Street Workshop in the de Young Artist Studio will make work individually while benefiting from the creative stimulus of other artists working in different formats nearby. In a workshop environment, visual artists Ala Ebtekar and Julie Chang, scientist/poet Pireeni Sundaralingam and choreographer Erika Chong Shuch will develop new projects that draw from their own ideas and those of their neighbors.

I'm not saying that the NY Times doesn't kind of fuck it up occasionally but in this case I give credit where credit is due in their two page story on baller Jeremy Lin (and I use that term loosely because he's still gotta prove himself, even if I think he could):

Lin was overlooked by talent evaluators, possibly because of scouting methodology, his ethnicity and his Ivy League roots.

While I do have to pick and prod on the word "possibly" just like I can say it's possible that Christine O'Donnell is the puppet of Sarah Palin (which technically says a lot more about Palin than I possibly would like to give her credit for) - at least it puts it out there one more time - and really - who doesn't want that?

Sure, it might be another book about immigration and you might scoff at it because you think you might be past these things - those immigration stories - but let's get real - if you don't know who the hell the Tape family is - you need to get a MF clue.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The critically acclaimed film Au Revoir Taipei – an award winner at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival this year – will make its Washington D.C. premiere at the 11th Annual D.C. Asian Pacific American Film Festival on October 7, 2010. Au Revoir Taipei, executive produced by Palme d’Or winner Wim Wenders, will screen at Landmark’s E Street Cinema at 7:30 p.m. as the festival’s Opening Night film.

DC APA Film is delighted to have TECRO – Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. – as its Opening Night sponsor.

“With 10 years of success, (DC APA Film) has become one of the most prominent film festivals of its type,” said Ambassador Jason C. Yuan of TECRO. “TECRO is very proud that Au Revoir, Taipei was chosen to open the 11th DC APA (Film Festival).”

In his feature length debut, director and winner of DC APA Film’s 2007 “Best Narrative Short” award Arvin Chen returns to the vibrant streets of Taipei in this charming film about old loves and new loves found. “His success symbolizes the passing of the torch and the rise of a new wave of cinematic talents in Taiwan films,” said Ambassador Yuan.

This whimsical romantic caper brims over with gorgeous cinematography and a fitting jazzy score that captures the seductive beauty and personality of Taiwan’s metropolis. “We hope that the audience will get to know the city through the film and will eventually visit spots where this film was shot,” said Ambassador Yuan.

DC APA Film’s festival will take place from October 7-16, 2010 at venues such as the Smithsonian Institute’s Freer and Sackler Galleries, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Goethe-Institut and E Street Cinema. Throughout the festival there will be daily raffles where audience members can win t-shirts, subscriptions to Asian American magazines such as Hyphen and Giant Robot and much more. For more information and to view the festival schedule, visit www.apafilm.org

D.C. Asian Pacific American (APA) Film is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, devoted to encouraging the artistic development of APA media artists and raising public awareness of APA media arts through an annual festival and other events in the Washington, D.C. area. It is the only Asian Pacific American film festival held in the D.C. region. In addition to the film festival, DC APA Film sponsors a summer-long P.O.V. (Point-of-View) Youth Filmmaker Workshop, which is a youth filmmaking training program designed to empower and provide a voice to local APA youth by teaching them the art of movie-making.

I don't really watch America's Got Talent - however - having said this, apparently I actually have watched a few episodes, and one of the final four acts is this black-light performance troupe from VT called Fighting Gravity and you know what they say:

If there's performance, black-lights, and some dancing going on, most likely there's an Asian person in close proximity.

And yes, Fighting Gravity is no anomaly with members Danny Kang and Caleb Sharp, which btw if you wanted to know more about Senior Danny Kang I think this quote in his bio under the "aspirations" section says it all:

sue M. Night Shyamalan for the 94 minutes of my life I’ll never get back after watching “The Last Air Bender”

If you wanted to know more about the K-Town reality show as well as get a slew of kick ass guest posters, just make sure and head on down to AAM where even though he's on vacation, the blog is running like a MF and one of the guest posters just happens to be Eddie Kim who's one of the producers.

Technically the title of this post says it all, but if you really want more, no problem. I give you more.

Get the eligible Asian American men lined up. Hyphen's signature event returns for its fifth year in November, but the application deadline for the 2010 Mr. Hyphen is this Friday!

Since its inception in 2005, Mr. Hyphen has brought in an annual crowd of 500+ and this year promises to be bigger than ever, as we increase the capacity and move our venue to the Brava! Theater in San Francisco.

I know that some of the CW promos for Nikita have revolved around Maggie Q in suggestive poses wearing next to nothing (or at least what we might deem as next to nothing in some cases) and that it's fair to ask the question of what they really are selling (is it a strong character who also happens to have some sex appeal, or is it the same tired stereotype just wrapped up in a 2010 cover?).

I was a huge fan of the original film with Anne Parillaud and even liked the remake Point of No Return with Bridget Fonda, and each of them, albeit in a different way, had this allure to them. This combination of being vulnerable, hard, beautiful - survivors who would do anything to get out of what they found themselves in - and when I watched this new CW series with Maggie Q - I found a lot more of those qualities versus the little red swimsuit that she wears in the promos (and honestly, I'm not really a huge fan).

Does sex sell?

Definitely. We all know it does (and this is the CW we're talking about).

Do I wish the promos would be less what they are and have a little more style (because you can have a lot of sex appeal without showing everything, and in many ways I think the role of Nikita deserves a classic style)?

Without a doubt, and I do hope they update them.

But at the end of the day, the show itself is less sex and more character, and it's nice to see someone of Asian descent play a role that up until now has only been played by White actresses.

Sunday (10/10) 12 pm: Filmmakers Crash CourseFilmmakers Crash Course is a series of 15 minute intense workshops from experts in various areas of the artistry and business of filmmaking.

Sunday (10/10) 2 pm: The API TV Pilot Shootout & Battle of the PitchesShootout is a multi-layered competition designed to assist writers, actors, directors, and crew in advancing their careers.

Sunday (10/10) 5 pm: Closing Film. The Things We CarryThe Things We Carry, directed by Ian McCrudder, is a moving drama about two siblings dealing with their drug addicted mother’s death. This Lobit sisters production features a stellar performance by writer/actress Alyssa Lobit. Jessica Sison’s short Kuna ni Nanag will precede the feature.

Yeah. She made Oprah's Power List, but I think going on the farewell season is better.

Michelle Rhee will get a chance to spread her education reform gospel to an even wider audience: Rhee this week taped an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which kicks off its 25th and final season Monday. Joining her was Bill Gates, the very rich man who has made education reform a cornerstone of his philanthropy [...] The show will highlight the documentary "Waiting for Superman," directed by "Inconvenient Truth" filmmaker Davis Guggenheim [...] A spokeswoman for Winfrey's Harpo Productions confirms that Rhee will appear on an episode set to run Sept. 20.

This is what kind of sucks about looking things up versus not wanting to know anything else about them - because there are two schools of thought that can be applied here if you think about media in terms of authors.

One is not knowing anything about an author whatsoever where you don't ask the question of why they might have written something. The other is knowing everything you can about them because you think it gives you better insight into their story.

I kind of fall in the middle myself because I don't have to know everything - but - a little backstory is kind of nice.

Which basically leads me up to the following: So I finally sat down and watched the '09 French film Coco Before Chanel and it was good.

I had no idea about the Chanel story - who she was or what she did and it kept me watching. I became engrossed in this story about this woman who just wanted something better.

So I ended up going on and doing some research and found out what some already knew - not only was she someone who made it in a man's world, but yes, she also slept with Nazi's and apparently used pro-Aryan laws to help get her ahead in business.

And she was charged with War Crimes (but mysteriously let go).

And while her native country of France just couldn't look past that - apparently - we and the British had no problem accepting her with open arms in her comeback.

Which all begs two questions/comments:

I say when you're doing that type of story you should really talk about the Nazis.

Since Audrey Tautou is the spokesperson for Chanel, I wonder if that means I should be throwing out my copy of Amelie.

2008 Year In Review

If you're looking for the 2008 In Review Posts, the link list has been moved out, but you can still get to them all by following this link which pulls them up by label (they'll be in reverse so go to the oldest post to read them in order).

2007 In Review Posts

If you're looking for the 2007 In Review Posts, the link list has been moved out, but you can still get to them all by following this link which pulls them up by label (they'll be in reverse so go to the oldest post to read them in order).

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